(Third Person POV)
There was a small celebration, in honor of Aerion's Knighting and the announcement of the impending Royal Wedding. Some lords were gathered in the main hall, a banquet prepared. They partook in the food and drink that was prepared at Visery's behest.
This was not just a celebration for Aerion, but for the fact that the War in the Stepstones had finally ceased, a proud victory for House Velaryon and House Targaryen.
Some men were gathered around the table, drinking and laughing. They were discussing things they had heard about the War, despite them not being present.
"I heard Aerion Targaryen became a battle-hungry maniac...." One of them said with a chuckle, "That boy....he sure takes after his father!"
"Take it easy." Another warned, "That is Prince Daemon you are speaking of. He hears you and your tongue is gone."
"Ha!" The man said, clearly drunk, "Here is the thing, how many men have died due to Red-Hair Aerion's antics, hm? That is what I want to know."
"We don't know what happened." The other said, "Lord Velaryon says that Lord Aerion was a fierce and brave warrior who kept many from dying."
"Sure." The drunk one said, "But it took two years for a boy to finish a war. I wonder what that says about the Crown and the Dragons."
"Again, we do not know what happened." the other said firmly, "Some are too foolish to surrender, even with dragon flames. Remember, The Conqueror and Visenya Targaryen burned Dorne for years and nothing came out of it. And have you ever been on those islands? There is nothing but caves and proper cover from flames."
"Sure sure..." the drunk one said, "Who gives a fuck? Here's the-"
"Shut your fucking mouth." another said as he covered his mouth, clearly shaken up by something
They all turned to see Aerion Targaryen walking by, a serious look on his face as he made his way past them. Behind him, The Royce Knights walked along, looking at the men with serious looks on their faces.
Without Aerion there, they were free to speak their mind, as foolishly as they could. But when Aerion was in sight, his mere presence was enough to intimidate the men.
Aerion was indifferent to them, however, simply walking along.
Ser Gerold Royce stopped in front of them, giving them a serious scowl, "I would keep my mouth shut if I were you, My Lords." He said, "Do not speak of what you do not know."
One of them cleared his throat, "M-My apologies." he said, "It will not happen again."
"As you were." Gerold said before giving them a nod and walking away
The men were gulping in nervousness, not sure if Aerion had heard them or not.
Over to where Aerion was, he had reached a table where his Mother sat, waiting for him.
"My son." Lady Rhea said as she smiled
"Mother." Aerion said, "I find it surprising that you are attending this."
"I could say the same about you." Rhea said
"The King himself invited me." Aerion said as he sat down next to her, "I could not refuse."
"Same here." She said as she looked at Aerion, "Have you spoken to her?"
"To who?" Aerion asked as he sat, straight, while the Royce Knights settled themselves on another table, "Rhaenyra?"
"Yes." Rhea said
"There has not been an opportunity to do so." Aerion said as he looked down
"She seems rather lonely these days." Rhea said, "You should keep her company. You are soon to marry her, might as well start now."
"I do not see here now." Aerion said
"She will be here." Rhea said with a smile, "So....."
Aerion looked at her, "Yes?"
"How have you been?" Rhea asked
"Well." Aerion said, "Why do you ask?"
"You have been gone for two years, Aerion. You were at war." Rhea said, "And you come back to King's Landing, become a Knight, and are soon to marry. I wonder how all of this makes my son feel."
Aerion shrugged, "It happens."
"It happens?" She asked, "My sweet boy, you can be so apathetic sometimes."
"Are you concerned about me?" Aerion asked her, "About what I have been through in the Stepstones?"
Rhea hesitated, "I...." She said, "Well...."
"I do not blame you." Aerion said seriously, "I have been gone for two years...I have seen plenty of fighting....have done plenty of killing myself.....my comrades in the battlefield began to fear me....imagine how my enemies felt...."
"Aerion.." Rhea started
"It is fine." Aerion said as he looked down, beginning to fidget with his fingers, "At first, I was anxious....believing that battle is what I desired...what i needed....Father was right, I needed to prove myself.....and I did...."
"You did." Rhea nodded, "But....Aerion, you have changed....that look in your eye did...as your mother, do not blame me for being worried."
"I understand." Aerion said simply, "Even Father was concerned. Father, of all people. When the infamous Rogue Prince tells you that you are going too far, you take a step back and wonder if you are....."
Rhea looked over to the side, spotting something, and then leaned in to Aerion, "We will discuss this at a later time, my beautiful boy." She said before kissing his cheek, "You have company."
She stood up and bowed slightly, something which prompted Aerion to look up in front of him.
He then saw that Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was standing in front of him, wearing a beautiful black and red dress. Her hair was combed straight, and draped over her shoulders. There was a simple braid at her right side, which had some gold and silver jewelry embedded into it.
"H-Hello, Aerion." Rhaenyra said with a nervous tone, "How have you been?"
Aerion stood up, towering over the princess, despite his young age.
"And I thought you could not get any more beautiful." Aerion said with a blunt tone, "It has been a long time, Rhaenyra."
Rhaenyra was taken aback by the remark, her cheeks getting slightly red, as well as her ears, "O-Oh..." She said softly, "Aerion....you...."
Rhea cleared her throat, "I will leave the two of you by yourselves." She said before spotting Daemon in the crowd over by the main table, "If you excuse me, Princess."
Rhaenyra nodded, "Of course." She said, "Thank you, Lady Rhea."
**********
"I intend to give Aerion my blade." Rhea said to Daemon as she stood next to him in front of the main banquet table, "Do you approve?"
Daemon frowned, "Lamentation?" He asked, "Why? You are the Lady of Runestone."
"He is going to inherit it anyways." Rhea said as she held a cup of wine in her hands, "He is a Dragonrider, a War-Hero, and now the youngest Knight in the history of the Seven Kingdoms....he deserves a worthy blade."
"He will not approve." Daemon said as he looked over at Aerion, who sat next to Rhaenyra, "I know he will be stubborn about it."
Daemon saw that Aerion and Rhaenyra sat next to each other, making talk. He could not hear what they were saying but from what he knew how Aerion was, it was blunt remarks from his son and awkward responses from Rhaenyra.
"I have yet to discuss it with my kin." Rhea continued, "It is something I have given plenty of thought."
"They are the ones that ought to approve, not me." Daemon said, "Besides, Aerion likes his sword."
"It is not Valyrian Steel. He is Valyrian." Rhea said with an exhale, "I think it is appropriate."
"It is the one your Father had smithed for him the day he was born." Daemon said, "It is sentimental to him. A simple bastard sword with black straps on the handle and a bronze hilt. Simple, boring.....very Royce...."
Rhea raised his eyebrow, "Royce, huh?"
"He is your son." Daemon smirked
"Our son." Rhea said, "You have some say in his life too....despite the things you have done...."
"What thing?" Daemon said, "I have been nothing but good to him."
"You constant insults to me." Rhea scowled, "I know about her, Daemon. Mysaria....or whatever her name is. I do not want a scandal, a little bastard sibling of Aerion running around....."
She whispered the last part, not wanting anyone else to hear it.
Daemon sighed, "Let us not speak of this here."
"Why did I hear that Aerion found out?" Rhea asked, "Is it true? That him finding out is what led him to finish the War?"
Daemon smirked, "For a good couple of months, we had him out of the frontlines..." He said, "He reeled himself back, making strategies and giving commands along with Corlys. He himself realized that he was going too far.....too deep in the sea of blood he created...."
"Daemon...." Rhea said seriously
"We will discuss that later." Daemon said, "I promise. Listen, about Lamentation. No, do not do it."
"Why not?" Rhea frowned
Daemon leaned into her ear, "Because I have a wedding gift ready for Aerion." He whispered, "It is a surprise, but if you beat me to it...."
"It will ruin said surprise."